20-Jul-23
This podcast features a captivating conversation with Tony Woods, a veteran stand-up comedian, comedy writer, actor, and original member of Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam. It delves into diverse topics, from the intricate details of club ownership and the evolution of comedy to the intricacies of military life and the oddities of animal behavior. Woods’s stories are punctuated by humor, revealing anecdotes, and genuine insights, offering a refreshing perspective on various aspects of life.
1. The Evolution of Comedy:
Woods shares a historical perspective on the comedic landscape, highlighting the shift from the “dirty” and raw humor of the 80s to the more polished and sensitive comedy of today.
He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, arguing that comedy thrives on vulnerability and honesty, even if it occasionally offends or pushes boundaries.
Woods reflects on the impact of social media and how it has transformed the way comedians connect with their audiences.
He also discusses the role of technology in comedy, pointing to the use of social media as a powerful tool for audience engagement and promotion.
2. Creating a Stand-Up Haven:
Woods dives deep into his experience establishing a comedy club, revealing the meticulous planning and expert design elements he implemented.
His goal was to create a space specifically tailored to the needs of comedians, emphasizing a comfortable stage, optimal acoustics, and a collaborative environment.
He highlights the importance of feedback from seasoned comedians like Louie C.K., emphasizing the value of professional guidance and experience.
Woods underscores the unique perspective of comedians in understanding the nuances of a comedy space, a perspective often overlooked by those who simply invest in club infrastructure.
3. The Unseen World of Fire Ants:
Woods recounts a harrowing encounter with fire ants, providing a humorous yet detailed description of their painful bite and subsequent treatment.
He highlights the unexpectedness of the attack, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for even the seemingly insignificant creatures of nature.
Woods playfully exaggerates the severity of the encounter, adding a comedic element to the discussion of a common problem.
He also shares his personal experience with fire ant infestations, offering relatable insight into the struggles of dealing with these pesky insects.
4. The Mystery and Menace of Bigfoot:
Woods shares a captivating story of a Bigfoot encounter during his military training, offering a firsthand account of a mysterious and often debated phenomenon.
He vividly describes the sound of Bigfoot’s roar, emphasizing its power and unusual nature, contrasting it with the familiar sounds of the natural world.
Woods highlights the skeptical perspective of his fellow soldiers, yet acknowledges the unusual events that unfolded, leaving room for interpretation.
He emphasizes the unsettling aspect of the encounter, reminding listeners that nature holds mysteries that may not be easily explained.
5. Navigating the Challenges of Military Life:
Woods sheds light on the demanding physical and mental challenges of military life, particularly during training exercises.
He humorously recounts instances of hazing and camaraderie, demonstrating the unique dynamics within military units.
Woods delves into the complex world of military protocol and procedures, emphasizing the importance of following orders and maintaining discipline.
He also addresses the emotional toll of military service, mentioning the pressure to stay strong and the struggle to cope with loss.
6. The Raw Reality of Naked and Afraid:
Woods offers an insightful commentary on the popular survival show, highlighting the grueling physical and psychological demands placed on its participants.
He reveals the importance of understanding the potential risks and ensuring appropriate medical support, emphasizing the show’s potentially hazardous nature.
Woods humorously discusses the unexpected challenges of menstrual cycles and the importance of managing these aspects of survival in a wilderness setting.
He also shares his personal experience with similar challenges, drawing parallels between his time in the military and the extreme conditions faced by Naked and Afraid contestants.
7. The Surprising Strength of the Pinky Toe:
Woods embarks on an unexpected discussion about the vital role of the pinky toe in maintaining balance and strength.
He reveals the often overlooked significance of this small digit, drawing on personal experience and scientific findings to emphasize its importance.
Woods humorously compares the importance of the pinky toe to the pinky finger, highlighting the shared importance of these often underestimated body parts.
He also delves into the mechanics of balance and grip strength, providing an engaging explanation of the underlying factors that contribute to these functions.
8. A Humorous Look at Woody Harrelson’s “The Champions”:
Woods shares his personal experience watching “The Champions,” offering a humorous perspective on the film’s portrayal of individuals with “challenges.”
He highlights the comedic element of the film’s use of “challenges” as a euphemism for disabilities, emphasizing the film’s humorous approach to a sensitive topic.
Woods recounts specific scenes from the film, providing entertaining details that illustrate the film’s humor and heart.
He also discusses the importance of representation and how the film challenges societal perceptions of disability.
9. The Untamed World of Insects:
Woods delves into the fascinating world of insects, sharing his personal fascination with praying mantises and their predatory abilities.
He highlights the unexpected power and dexterity of these insects, showcasing their ability to take down prey much larger than themselves.
Woods recounts various instances of insect battles, including mantises versus scorpions, highlighting the brutality and beauty of nature’s intricate ecosystem.
He also discusses the complex relationship between parasites and insects, exploring the fascinating ways in which parasites influence the behavior of their hosts.
10. A Trip to the Tiger Park:
Woods recounts a memorable encounter with tigers at a park in Thailand, highlighting the contrasting experiences of interacting with tigers at different ages.
He describes the playful nature of young tigers, juxtaposed with the more subdued behavior of older, larger tigers, offering a glimpse into the lifecycle of these majestic animals.
Woods points out the practice of drugging tigers for tourism, raising ethical concerns about the impact of human interaction on these animals.
He also reflects on the power of nature, noting the awe-inspiring presence of these majestic predators.
11. The Perils of “The Cellar” and the Power of “Death Sauce”:
Woods reminisces about a memorable New York City eatery, “The Cellar,” known for its spicy wings and “death sauce.”
He shares his personal experience with the “death sauce,” showcasing his willingness to embrace intense flavors and heat.
Woods playfully acknowledges the challenge of the “death sauce,” highlighting its legendary status among spicy food enthusiasts.
He also highlights the cultural significance of this particular restaurant, reminiscing about the unique atmosphere and the camaraderie fostered by its patrons.
12. The Unexpected Turn of Events in Birmingham, Alabama:
Woods recounts a pivotal moment in his career, when a phone call while performing in Birmingham, Alabama, drastically altered his plans.
He humorously shares the unexpected call from the military, revealing how his comedy career was intertwined with his military service.
Woods highlights the support he received from fellow comedian Vic Henley, underscoring the strong bonds forged within the comedic community.
He also emphasizes the impact of his military service on his comedic perspective, shaping his outlook and adding a unique dimension to his humor.
13. The Misconception of Television Fame:
Woods challenges the common misconception that being on television equates to wealth, sharing his personal experience of earning a modest $100 a day for a BET show.
He humorously recounts encounters with people who assumed he was rich simply because he was on television, demonstrating the disconnect between public perception and reality.
Woods also reflects on the competitive nature of the entertainment industry, highlighting the struggle to find success and the often-uncertain path to fame.
He also discusses the impact of television on his personal life, particularly the way it influenced his interactions with others.
14. A Night Out With Chris Rock:
Woods recounts a memorable night out with Chris Rock, showcasing the camaraderie and shared experiences of the comedic community.
He humorously describes a heated encounter with a fan who was less than impressed with Woods’s fame and achievements, highlighting the occasional pitfalls of celebrity culture.
Woods highlights the impact of social media on fan interactions, revealing the potential for both positive and negative encounters with the public.
He also underscores the importance of staying grounded and managing expectations in the face of fame and success.
15. The Powerful Impact of Comedy:
Woods underscores the therapeutic power of comedy, emphasizing its ability to transform negative experiences into positive ones.
He shares how comedy helped him navigate difficult times, highlighting its ability to provide solace and perspective.
Woods also highlights the importance of sharing personal stories, emphasizing the cathartic nature of humor and vulnerability.
He acknowledges the universal appeal of comedy, noting its ability to connect people across diverse backgrounds and experiences.
16. The Mystery of “Puppetry of the Penis”:
Woods shares a captivating anecdote about a comedy show he attended in Edinburgh, “Puppetry of the Penis.”
He humorously describes the show’s unique and controversial nature, leaving listeners curious about its content and performance style.
Woods alludes to the show’s potential for misunderstanding, acknowledging the potential for misinterpretations and cultural sensitivities.
He also highlights the unpredictable nature of comedy, emphasizing the unexpected and sometimes shocking experiences it can offer.
17. The Healing Power of Music:
Woods dives into the therapeutic power of music, particularly the impact of binaural beats on sleep quality and overall well-being.
He describes the unique sensation of “sinking” into the music, evoking a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
Woods emphasizes the effectiveness of binaural beats for improving sleep, sharing his personal experience with using them to get a restful night’s sleep.
He also acknowledges the growing popularity of binaural beats for relaxation and healing, highlighting their potential benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
18. The Unexpected Accuracy of “A Man Called Adam”:
Woods recounts a discussion about the film “A Man Called Adam,” where he mistakenly believed Sammy Davis Jr. was actually playing the trumpet.
He reveals that he was wrong, with Jamie providing the accurate information about the trumpet playing being done by Nat Adderley.
Woods humorously acknowledges his initial assumption, highlighting the ease with which misconceptions can form about the production of film and television.
He also discusses the importance of accuracy and fact-checking in an era of misinformation, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and verification.
19. The Disturbing Reality of the Cordyceps Mushroom:
Woods delves into the fascinating and horrifying world of the Cordyceps mushroom, highlighting its parasitic nature and impact on ants.
He vividly describes the mushroom’s ability to control the ant’s behavior, leading to its demise and the release of spores that infect other ants.
Woods draws parallels between the Cordyceps mushroom and the HBO show “The Last of Us,” highlighting the potential for fungal infections to have a devastating impact.
He also discusses the potential for parasites to manipulate the behavior of their hosts, emphasizing the complexity and unpredictability of nature.
20. The Dark Side of “Venom”:
Woods discusses the “horsehair parasite” that infects praying mantises, a real-life example of the parasitic relationship explored in the film “Venom.”
He shares a graphic description of the parasite emerging from the mantis’s body, highlighting the disturbing nature of the interaction.
Woods emphasizes the unsettling reality of parasites controlling the behavior of their hosts, illustrating the potential for these relationships to be both fascinating and frightening.
He also acknowledges the importance of learning about the natural world, noting how even seemingly mundane creatures can hold hidden complexities.
5 Memorable Quotes:
“Comedy is dirty, son.” – Tony Woods describes the raw and unfiltered nature of true comedy, emphasizing that it often pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms.
“The periodic chart. The symbol for comedy is a banana peel.” – Woods uses a playful metaphor to illustrate the inherent danger and vulnerability that often fuels humor, suggesting that someone must get hurt for laughter to occur.
“The lion pair was said to have killed 135 people. Boom.” – Woods recounts the historical tale of the “Sabo man eaters,” highlighting the chilling reality of a lion pair that turned to human prey, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the animal kingdom.
“I am someone’s dad. This is hard shit.” – Woods reflects on the profound impact of fatherhood, acknowledging the emotional challenges that come with being a parent and grounding his comedic perspective.
“I just got lucky that I read that article. That’s all it is.” – Woods shares his discovery of a potential remedy for his elevated PSA levels, highlighting the serendipitous nature of finding solutions and emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge.